• 1 in 5 Australian women had experienced sexual violence and 1 in 20 Men
• 1 in 6 Australian women had experienced physical or sexual violence from a current or former partner
• 1 in 8 people experienced abuse (sexual or physical) before the age of 18
• 15% of women had been sexually assaulted by a person they knew, since the age of 15.
• 1 sexual assault is reported every hour in Australia
• 23,052 cases of sexual assault in 2016
• The rate of sexual offences against women in Greater Bendigo is 18.7 per 10,000 people, significantly higher than the state average of 8.5 per 10,000 people.

• Don’t condone violence against women
• Challenge men’s control of decision-making and limits to women’s independence in public and private life
• Challenge gender stereotypes – we all have them!
• Reduce, and question male peer relations that emphasise aggression and disrespect towards women.
• Recognise victim blaming when you see it and hear it
• Look and question how the media portray violence against women and children
• Learn about consent

1. seeking an additional facility/building to enable service expansion and functions for group work, and outdoor space for children and young people.
2. There is a continuing need for more clothing for women and children in the case of assaults, as forensics may require clothing for examination.
3. CASA also needs more specialist resources for therapeutic work – figurines, weighted teddies and animals and
4. There is a need for a Therapy Dog for CASA –their last dog prior to training had a tendency to attack kangaroos and therefore was not reliable enough to be an assistance dog.

• The 4F’s committee would like to announce that the monthly get togethers will continue with the first one for this Rotary year being held at Pat’s pub, aka the Rising Sun, on Thursday 22^nd August @ 6 for 6.30pm. Members, partners and friends are all welcome and encouraged to attend. Please ring Ray Carrington to confirm.
• The Women’s Jamshod Dinner is on Saturday 17^th August at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Hall, Short street. Those wishing to attend please let Toni know so she can confirm numbers with Kaye Graves from Bendigo Community Health. Ladies are requested to wear bright colourful clothes and jewellery and bring along a scarf. (instructions and demonstrations for folding and wearing of scarves is planned for the evening}.
• Federation Picnic on Sunday the 25^th August at Malone Park, Marong. Kevin Reade is currently compiling a duty roster; please help if you can as it is always a good fellowship day and you can see some beautiful old cars and motorcycles as well.

Where:    Barham Caravan & Tourist Park

Accommodation: Caravan & Tent sites, Cabins.

Bookings 54532553 and say  you are with RCOBS for the booking.